Flash Flooding in San Antonio Claims 11 Lives
SAN ANTONIO – The death toll has tragically reached 11 in San Antonio following heavy rainfall, with rescue teams still searching for those unaccounted for after floodwaters surged abruptly, tossing numerous cars into nearby streams.
The next day, search teams focused on low-water areas, as Thursday’s intense downpour delivered over seven inches of rain in just a few hours to one of the largest cities in the U.S. Some residents had to climb trees to escape the swift currents, while firefighters conducted over 70 rescue operations throughout the city.
Most rescues involved individuals trapped in vehicles. According to a report from the San Antonio Fire Department, around 10 people were rescued from a dense area of bushes and trees approximately a mile away from the main streets.
Fire Department spokesperson Joe Arrington announced that crews were continuing their search for missing individuals as water levels began to recede. The exact number of missing persons remained uncertain as of Friday evening.
“Our hearts are with the families of those who perished in this week’s flash floods, as well as those still searching for their loved ones,” stated Mayor Ron Nirenberg.
The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s office reported that three of the deceased were between the ages of 28 and 55.
Officials indicated that search efforts were concentrated around Beitel Creek, where more than a dozen vehicles had either capsized or were partially submerged. Search dogs were deployed to aid the efforts on Thursday.
Among the reported missing is 42-year-old Stevie Richards. His wife, Angel, recounted their last conversation, saying he described his car being swept away just before dawn.
“I was talking to him and he said, ‘Oh, the car is floating’… I couldn’t hear it hit something, I could hear him screaming and water calling. It all happened very, very quickly,” she shared.
Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office spokesperson Monica Ramos confirmed that the deceased were found in various locations, including near creeks across the county.
